6 Youth Sports in Amer i ca every four years in the same geographic locations—and sports venues—as the Olympic Games (i.e., international competition for athletes who do not have a dis- ability). The Paralympic Games typically take place two weeks following the Olym- pic Games. Paralympic athletes representing multiple nations from around the world have an opportunity to qualify and compete in both team-based and individual- based Paralympic sports (see Table 1). The Paralympic Games represent the highest level of competition and achieve- ment for athletes with disabilities. Many athletes spend years training to develop their sport-specific skills and abilities in order to work their way up to the elite-level status in which they become eligible to qualify for their national team. Getting Involved in Adaptive Sports For youth with disabilities, their first exposure to adaptive sports is often the result of participating in an introductory adaptive sports clinic, an adaptive physical edu- cation class within their school system, and/or a community-based recreational sports team. In addition, youth may become aware of adaptive sports through media coverage of adaptive sports events or a featured story about an athlete who has a disability. Information shared among other families with children who have a dis- ability represents another way that youth become aware of adaptive sports opportu- nities. Finally, youth athletes may be encouraged to participate in adaptive sports from a variety of allied health professionals including, but not limited to, recreation therapists, physical therapists, and occupational therapists during the rehabilitation process postinjury. After being introduced to adaptive sport, youth with disabilities who choose to pursue participation in adaptive sport should have an opportunity to do so within Table 1 Paralympic Sports Summer Sports Winter Sports Archery 7-aside football Swimming Alpine skiing Athletics Goalball Table tennis Biathlon Badminton Judo Taekwondo Cross-country skiing Boccia Powerlifting Triathlon Ice sledge hockey Canoe Rowing Wheelchair basketball Wheelchair curling Cycling Sailing Wheelchair dance Equestrian Shooting Wheelchair fencing 5-aside football Sitting volleyball Wheelchair rugby Wheelchair tennis
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